Ascom IT and Stream Communications

TWO of Scotland's top wireless companies have set up a consultancy to pool their expertise in Bluetooth, the technology that is expected to link millions of electronic devices.

Ascom IT and Stream Communications will unveil their joint venture, Wirefree Technologies, at the CeBIT consumer electronics show in Hanover today.

The new company will work on systems which allow people to use the internet and local information networks in shopping centres, airports, railway stations and hotels.

Nigel Chadwick, a Wirefree director, set up Stream Communications 18 months ago.

Wirefree will initially have five staff and will start looking for funding to expand later this year. As well as Bluetooth, it will work on 802.11, a more established connection standard.

Wirefree has an agreement with Inventel Systems, of France, a Bluetooth device maker, under which itstechnology to be sold worldwide.

douglas.friedli@businessam.co.uk

14/02/02